Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Pointe Shoes and Sugar Plums {a review}


This Nutcracker themed sweet-romance is a companion short story to “Dancing With a Royal,” but can be read as a standalone novella. If you read Dancing with a Royal, then you may remember the character Jenna Evans. She had a small part in that story, and now it is her time to shine.

Pointe Shoes and Sugar Plums focuses on Jenna's journey through school, and ultimately finding a place within a dance company. For me, that was really the main focus of the book. Yes there is a love story. Yes Clara Little makes an appearance in the story. But the love story and the visit from Clara are small. Jenna's journey toward a role in the Nutcracker production really is center stage. It was really interesting to see all that Jenna went through, as well as her uncertainty regarding her abilities.

I ended up giving Pointe Shoes and Sugar Plums a 3.5 star rating over on Goodreads. Part of that was because I wanted a more romance driven story versus one that was more focused on her career. The other part was that it just didn't feel finished. It felt like there were some missing pieces, and the story just needed to be polished a little bit more.

Still, if you've read the other two books in the Unexpected Royals series by Tomi Tabb, I recommend reading this novella as well. Jenna is an interesting character, as is her love interest.

Thank you for taking time to read my abbreviated thoughts on Pointe Shoes and Sugar Plums.
Laura






Since childhood Jenna Evans has had one goal一becoming a professional ballet dancer. Now in her third year of study at the Royal Ballet’s Upper School, her dream is close to becoming a reality.

With the holidays and the busy Nutcracker season approaching, it won’t be long before the Royal Ballet company offers a handful of students an apprenticeship in the Corps de Ballet.

This could be her big break.

At the same time, Jenna has never been more confused by her friend and frequent pas de deux partner Jeremy Flynn. One moment he is his usual joking self, the next he is distancing himself from her.

There is only one person Jenna entrusts to help her unravel the mystery of Jeremy一her friend and mentor Clara Little, the Duchess of Leeds.

Will Jenna be able to make all of her dreams come true?

Add to your Goodreads TBR!


One click now on Amazon, or read for free with your kindle unlimited subscription!


Wild With You {a review}

 

Did you see that J.H. Croix released a new book yesterday? It's true! Wild With You is the first book in a brand new firefighter series!

In Wild With You, we meet Graham and Madison. Graham is a firefighter who is also a single dad to a teenager, and he lives in a small Alaskan town. On his way back to town, Graham stops at the gas station, and it is there that he meets Madison for the first time. Madison is currently driving from Houston Texas to a small town in Alaska. Her life has been flipped upside down, and her parents are pressuring her to do something she won't. Now it is just her and her dog, and they are about to start fresh at her Grandpa's house. He left it to her when he died, and it just seems like a sign for the next chapter. At the gas station, she is trying to get her dog back in the car when he runs toward a moose. Thankfully someone stops and helps her out, and her dog is unharmed. While talking to Graham, Madison feels that spark. That spark that tells you something good is about to happen, and that there is something about this man standing aside her, that is going to change everything. Madison returns to her car, and begins the drive to the hotel. Who is her neighbor at the hotel? Graham. Who does she share a smoking hot kiss with? Graham. Thinking she'll never see him again, Madison heads on her way to her new house. When there's a knock at the door, Madison is in for a shock!

I loved this book. I know I say that a lot about the books I read, but it's just true. From the moment the book started, and we started to get to know Madison, I was intrigued. Then with that meet cute at the gas station, I was sold. When that kiss happened at the hotel? I knew I would not be able to put my kindle down until the story was over! Every single step along the way just had me falling harder for these two. Then there is the setting of the book, and oh my word does this town sounds adorable. I love small town romances, and so I shouldn't be surprised that I fell for this location. From Graham's profession, to the way he cares for his daughter, to the people he surrounds himself with, even to his ex, all of that formed who he is. And quite frankly he's an amazing man. Strong, protective, supportive, caring, passionate, all describes who he is. Madison is a strong woman, who is capable of doing hard things, and also wears her heart on her sleeve. She is caring, compassionate, intelligent, and is willing to put her foot down when necessary. I loved the connection that Allie and Madison had. I loved how Madison acclimated to town easily, and found herself a group of friends who will care about her. The only thing I wish had been different was the point of conflict for Madison and Graham. I wish that it hadn't been the situation with Allie that drove the wedge. Part of me thinks it would have been more powerful if it had been Alison or Madison's parents at the center of it all. I guess I just don't like it when kids are the reason behind the conflict. But that's just me. I will say that I am anticipating the next book, Hold Me Now, as I feel that is being set up nicely between Paisley and Russell.

If you are looking for a romance featuring a single dad who happens to be a firefighter and lives in a small town where his love interest is his new neighbor, then you know what to do. Go grab Wild With You!

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts, Laura



All bets are off when a hotshot firefighter and a homecoming queen whose crown slipped off meet in the wilds of Alaska.


I don’t have time for romance, much less for prissy Madison Glen. The first time I meet her, I kiss her. The second time I meet her, she's breaking into my neighbor's house. She swears up and down she’s not a criminal. Maybe not, but she is definitely a distraction I don’t need. 


I’ve got my hands full with my mouthy daughter and an insanely busy life as a hotshot firefighter. It doesn’t surprise me at all to learn Madison was homecoming queen in high school. 


She’s stubborn, impractical, and she’d win the contest for least-likely to survive in small town Alaska. She’s also sultry and sassy. She’s everything I don’t need. It doesn’t matter what I tell myself though. I can’t keep my hands to myself when she’s around, and she kisses like a dream.


Graham & Madison’s story is perfect for readers who love small town romance, hotshot firefighters, alpha heroes, sassy heroines, frenemies to lovers, hate to love, opposites attract, slow burn, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of steam and swoon, and a deeply protective grumpy hero.



Grab Your Copy Here:

Add Wild With You to your TBR on Goodreads!


Meet J.H. Croix


USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. 


Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with sassy women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. 


Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!


Connect with J.H. Croix

Hosted By:
Thank you to J.H. Croix, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Wild With You.

White Ribbon {a review}

 


From New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a brand-new romantic-suspense series—Sin Series. White Ribbon is a limited time prequel to book one, RED SIN.

Synopsis wise, I can't really tell you more than what the teaser does. It's all laid out nicely with in that, so scroll down a bit and read the teaser. One thing not mentioned is that this is apparently an age gap. I don't know the age difference, but it doesn't matter. Van and Julia have chemistry!

White Ribbon was the perfect introduction to the Sin series. It has set the stage, and that encounter at the end of the book has me waiting to see what happens next in Red Sin! Van and Julia have captivated me. I have a feeling their story is going to be quite the rollercoaster ride, and I am here for it.

If you are looking for a new series to read, then grab this novella. I think you'll be hooked on Van and Julia as well.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura



Julia McGrath’s world is shaken.

 

Seizing the opportunity to flee her commitments, obligations, and the lies she’s accepted for too long, Julia embarks on a quest for a new life. Replying to a job listing has her driving away from Chicago to the northern top of Wisconsin.

 

A surprise snowstorm turns her world into a snow globe. Ice covered roads lead her into a snowbank. Determined to not freeze, she sets out. With the road covered in snow, she follows the white ribbon of snow. 

 

Donovan Sherman is a private man, known as a wolf in both business and his private affairs. The last thing he plans to encounter on the snow covered road near his home is a nearly frozen woman. Even a wolf has a den.

 

Feel the heat as these two individuals discover what life has to offer along the white ribbon.

 

 


Grab Your Copy Here:
Amazon | Nook | Google Play

Add to your Goodreads TBR!





Meet Aleatha Romig
Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!
Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha's twisted style with an increase in heat.
In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.
In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.
Aleatha is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Get Aleatha'd Here:


Hosted By:
Thank you to Aleatha Romig, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of White Ribbon.

What is Snipe about?




Snipe is the second book in the Mooseheads Hockey series by Mary Morano, and it is releasing on October 1st! If you're curious as to what Snipe is about, well today I have a teaser for you.

I am looking forward to reading Justin and Becca's story. What is their backstory? What will the big dramatic moment be? How will they fall in love? All of it. I'm curious, and ready to read!

Snipe is told from both Justin and Becca’s POV. It involves themed college parties, lots of different hats, and some interesting ideas for baby gifts.

Oh, and if you didn't know, the Mooseheads Hockey series is a set of standalone hockey romance books. You can read them separately, but if you're like me you'll prefer to read them in order.
 


Serious relationships are NOT meant for College…

At least that’s what Justin believes. As a member of the Mooseheads Hockey Team, Justin is known for three things: Hats, Parties, and giving the best advice around.

As he starts his junior year of college at Monroe University, he knows it will be the best one yet. Life is going great for Justin, until Becca stumbles her way in. When she tells him she’s pregnant after a drunken one night stand that neither can fully remember, he’s left with a choice. Will he step up and be the man they need him to be, or will he run away like his own parents did?




Want to pre-order Snipe? You can do so here!
Add Snipe to your Goodreads TBR!

Have you read Open Lanes? If not, you can do so here!







A New Cowboy Romance? Yes Please!

 


Michelle Rene's newest book, Falling for the Country Boy, is releasing on October 13, 2021! This is the first book in the new Blossom Creek series, and is an opposites attract, cowboy romance.

The description of the book sounds interesting, and I will definitely be reading Falling for the Country Boy in October. Cannot wait to see how the story between Aubrey and Hutch plans out.


Photographer: Randy Sewell @ RLS Images
Designer: Tiffany Black @ T.E. Black Designs
Model: Del Green



College football, stadium food and a hotel spa in New Orleans was all Aubrey Evans thought she needed to regroup and mentally recharge. At least, it was until the handsome stranger, wearing the wrong shade of red, with a panty-melting smile and sexy southern drawl standing in front of her offered her a hot dog and beer.


It’s been a few years since Kenny “Hutch” Hutchinson was last in the Big Easy. When the opportunity arose to see his alma mater play for a national championship he couldn’t resist and purchased a ticket online. Little did he know, he’d be sitting among the opposing team’s fans, much less have a beautiful blonde with sparkling blue eyes sitting beside him.


When a friendly wager between them sparks an undeniable chemistry, their memorable weekend turns into an unexpected relationship. Are the feelings they share enough for a city girl to survive life on the farm or is falling for the country boy going to be another lesson learned?



Add Falling for the Country Boy to your Goodreads!

About Michelle Rene



Michelle Rene is author of The Strong Hearts Collection, Blossom Creek Series and several standalone novellas. She is also the co-author of The Winter Haven Series, which she writes with Xana Jordan.

Born and raised in Kentucky, Michelle grew up in Florida where she still lives today. In 2020, Michelle joined millions of women in becoming an ovarian and uterine cancer survivor. A story she is sure to tell in a book someday.

When not spending time with her family and friends, you can find her writing, or cheering on the Florida Gators. Due to her one-click addiction, Michelle spends her downtime reading one of the many books on her Kindle.



Follow Michelle here

Website | Reader Group | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub




Hosted by




Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)